Games vs. Northbrook Bluehawks PW AA on Monday February 18th
On Monday we played two games against the mighty Northbrook Bluehawks. The Hawks turned out to be the toughest of the teams that we played.

In the morning game the Bluehawks took an early lead in the first period. They made it a 2-0 hockey game in the beginning of the second period, but before the period was over we had tied the game 2-2. The Bluehawks kept pressing and managed to take the lead when only three minutes were left of the game. Fortunately our boys were able to tie the game 3-3 before the buzzer sounded.

Championship game
After a quick shower, breakfast, and checking out from the hotel, we made our way back to the Edge arena to play the Bluehawks in the championship game at noon. This game was played on the Chicago Blackhawks practice sheet. The fans of the Santa Clara Blackhawks (and maybe the players as well) were excited to see our logo on the ice.

This game turned out to be a real nail-biter. The first period was scoreless, with the Bluehawks shooting 9 times vs. our 7 shots on goal. In this period we took two penalties and they took one. In the middle of the second period the Bluehawks scored on a power play and took a 1-0 lead. It was Santa Clara's turn to score next, but the 1-1 tie ended when the Bluehawks scored 2-1 before the end of the second period. We took several penalties in the second period and ended up playing more than half of the period shorthanded.

Both teams played very physical in this game. It took most of the third period before our boys tied 2-2 the game and took it to overtime.

First a five minute sudden death overtime period (5 on 5) was played but neither if the teams managed to score. After that a second sudden death overtime period (4 on 4) was played. A minute away from the shootouts Zappy snapped the puck to the Bluehawks net and there it was - WE WON! Finals score was 2-3!

The players and the coaches rushed to the ice to celebrate, to get the trophies and the banner and to be photographed.

Total shots in this game:

This tournament win was the fourth of the season:

1. Las Vegas Peewee AA Invitational Labor Day Tournament, August 31 - September 3, 2007
2. Abbotsford Minor Hockey, Peewee Ice Breaker, October 5 - 8, 2007
3. 5th Annual Jr. Sharks Winter Classic in San Jose, December 27 - 30, 2007
4. Chicago Presidents' Cup Pee Wee AA, February 16-18, 2008

What a way to end up this exciting hockey season. Thank you Coach Martin, Reyn, all players and families for making this such a fun season.

Chicago February 18th, 2008

After the disappointing CAHA play-off games in San Jose, the Santa Clara PW AA team was hungry for some wins. The team travelled to Illinois to participate in the Chicago Presidents' Cup, February 16-18, 2008. We played five physical games over the weekend and ended up winning the Pee Wee AA championship.
The Pee Wee AA teams from Midwest were Naperville Sabres, Leafs Hockey Club, Northbrook Bluehawks, and Wilmette Braves.

Games on Saturday February 16th
Our first opponent was the Wilmette Braves that we played on early Saturday morning (2/16). We got an easy win by a score of 6-0. After breakfast at Granny's the players, parents and coaches tired each other out in a snowball fight. The weather was beautiful with lots of snow and sunshine. Our second game was against the physical Naperville Sabres team. The Saturday afternoon game ended up in a 2-2 tie.

Game on Sunday February 17th
Our only game on Sunday was against the Leafs Hockey Club PW AA. This game was exciting and with a 4-1 win we ensured our spot on the finals.

A huge THANK YOU for Erika and Rich for sponsoring our team banner and the polos!